St. James Lutheran Church

06/24/2026

Today, the church commemorates Saint John the Baptizer, also known as Saint John the Forerunner.

John the Baptist was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah, who circumstances mirror Abraham and Sarah. Both were parents in their old age, who God had given them the gift of a child. John later lived in the wilderness, and he began baptizing people for the forgiveness of their sins. He later baptized Jesus, which is recorded in all four gospels. John was later arrested and then beheaded for challenging King Herod Antipas.

A reading from Mark

4 so John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And the whole Judean region and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him and were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove upon him. 11 And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tested by Satan, and he was with the wild beasts, and the angels waited on him.

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

Let us pray

Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Saviour by the preaching of repentance:
lead us to repent according to his preaching and, after his example, constantly to speak the truth, boldly to rebuke vice,
and patiently to suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen."

06/21/2026

Due to technical issues St. James will not be streaming the service this Sunday.

06/17/2026

One of the highlights from last year is that the kids were able to connect their letter of the week with a costume worn by Mrs. Megan, the preschool director and 4yo lead.

Please consider sponsoring a letter of the week!

✨Help Sponsor a “Letter of the Week Memory!” ✨

This past school year, if your little one attended our preschool, you probably heard about “Mrs. Megan and her costumes” or about our visits from our “special guests!”

Every letter of the alphabet comes to life through fun costumes, props, and memorable experiences designed to help our students learn and remember their Letter of the Week.

We have been incredibly blessed by the generosity of our preschool families, church members, and community supporters who have helped make these special memories possible. Thanks to your kindness, our costume collection has continued to grow and bring smiles to so many little faces!

As we prepare for another wonderful school year, we would love your help adding a few new items to our collection. If you would like to sponsor a Letter of the Week Memory, please consider purchasing an item from our Amazon Wish List.

Every donation, big or small, helps create meaningful learning experiences that our students will remember for years to come. Thank you for supporting our preschool and helping us make learning fun, exciting, and unforgettable!

💛 Amazon Wish List:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2B8WQXGX6JBFY?ref_=wl_share

Thank you for helping us create memories from A to Z! 📚🍎✝️

06/14/2026

Announcements:

Bible and Beverages at New Sarum on June 16, 2026 at 6:00pm.
Life Choices Baby Bottle Campaign. Bottles can be collected at the church and filled with cash, checks, and change.
Rowan Helping Ministries and the East Rowan Community Pantry are still collecting donations.

06/14/2026

The 3rd Sunday after Pentecost

06/12/2026

"37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest" (Matthew 9:37).

How are we sent? What do we take with us? What shall we say?

Come join us for worship on Sunday at 10:30am!

05/31/2026

Sunday May 31, 2026

05/31/2026

On this day, the church commemorates Mary's visit to Elizabeth following her encounter with the Angel Gabriel.

Let us share in the same joy Mary shared with Elizabeth as we pray,

Mighty God, by whose grace Elizabeth rejoiced with Mary and greeted her as the mother of the Lord: look with favor on your lowly servants that, with Mary, we may magnify your holy name and rejoice to acclaim her Son as our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

05/27/2026

Announcements:

As we near the summer season, the congregation will shift towards a narrative lectionary beginning June 7. Throughout the summer months, the Old Testament lessons will focus on Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God made a covenant with them. The summer then continues with the family of Abraham moving into Egypt, setting the events of Exodus in motion. The stories shift from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land as God delivers the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel.

Pastor Thomas will be gone June 8-12. Call the church office for any pastoral care emergencies.